Hey, folks! Sorry about the REALLY REALLY late update! I hate summer school, I hope you do too. Here's the new chapter.

Warning: A bit suggestive and this chapter is a few quick flashes. Hope you don't mind :P

Harry noticed a lot of thing about Hermione. No, not the one about Hermione being a girl. Unlike Ron, Harry had being aware of that since like forever. No, he noticed much more ever since she started hanging out with Malfoy.

She wasn't that worked up about doing homework weeks earlier from the due date anymore. She laughed at jokes that she usually would have disapproved. Harry knew that Malfoy was being an influence on her.

But he also noticed her troubled looks, how she would always sneak in to the library and come very late. He would see her talking with Malfoy seriously in a corner, their voices hushed. Later Harry had asked if there was anything wrong from Hermione but she had assured that everything was fine. So Harry had assumed that it was some problem between Draco and Hermione.

Now he was doubtful when he saw them huddled in the library again, arguing about something. It was a few days after they had arrived from Christmas holidays and he had seen how closer his best friend and his enemy had gotten after their misunderstanding, which Hermione had filled Ginny in, who had told Harry. He knew that it was none of his business to poke his nose in and find out what they were so seriously talking about. But he had that nagging feeling which always turned right. He had a feeling that their arguments had nothing to do with them and their mushy relationship. It had something to do with something … unsafe. He knew Hermione and her facial expression. She always bit her lips when she was worried. And she had being doing it lately.

Harry had another detention with Snape. Everything was starting to get intense. Quiddich, studies, detention, Voldemort and the mission to get Slughorns memory. He would have appreciated if he could have a separate room and scream to relieve the stress. Harry walked in to the empty common room. But he realized it wasn't empty when he saw Hermione curled up by the fire, staring at it miserably. He noticed her eyes were red from crying. Harry felt awkward, not being the best person dealing with crying girls. He had being startled when Hermione had cried so hard on his chest when she saw the boggart that day. But he wanted to know what had upset Hermione. He cared. Was it Malfoy? Merlin, he was going to kill him.

"Hermione? What's wrong?" Harry asked.

She jumped at his voice. She sat up and looked away. "I'm fine." She was bad at hiding it.

Harry went and sat next to her. "No, you're not. What is it Hermione? Quit hiding whatever it is. Tell me. Is it Malfoy?"

"NO, no. He's wonderful. It's something else."

"Then tell me." Harry said weakly as he watched with horror as tears poured out her eyes again.

"I can't. And when I do, you'll hate me."

"I could never hate you, Hermione."

"Oh, but you will. Harry, I want to tell you, but I can't. I want to stop it too but I can't tell anyone."

"What are you talking about? What do you want to stop?"

"That's it. I can't tell." Hermione said with distraught. She started to sob.

Harry felt frustrated and impatient. "Does Malfoy know? Whatever it is?"

"Yes, but he can't tell it either, Harry. We—we had to m-made thumb-rake-blow."

"Made a what?"

Hermione sobbed. "The-the unbreakable—" Hermione hiccupped "—Vow ."

Harry blinked. "What? I don't understand. Are you saying you made the unbreakable vow?"

"Yes." Hermione wailed.

Harry was startled. He watched Hermione wipe her nose with her arm. She looked like a mess.

"Who did it?"

"Dumbledore made it with me and Draco" It was barely a whisper.

Harry almost fell off the couch. "Dumbledore?"

Hermione nodded.

"Hermione, what's going on?"

"That's what I can't tell you. I would die if I do."

Harry felt as if he was shaken. This had taken him off guard. What was Dumbledore trying to do? Harry wrapped and arm around Hermione.

"That's okay then…."

"You know what? I don't care" She said fiercely. "I'll tell you. Dumbledore is—"

Harry clamped his hand on her mouth. "Bloody hell, NO! ARE YOU CRAZY? DON"T YOU DARE. I can't lose you as well." He yelled looking horrified. Her eyes widened and she whimpered. He took his hand away slowly.

"I can't let Dumbledore—" but Harry's hand was back on her mouth, muffling her.

"Hermione, please don't be stupid. You're not going to tell anyone a single thing about it. Please don't do this. I need you. You can't just leave me and Ron alone to face what's coming up." He said gently. He pulled her in to a hug. He felt her tears drop on his shoulder. "I'm going to Dumbledore now about this, okay?"

"No, it's too late. Filch might see you and you'll end up in another detention. You'll never get the chance tonight."

Harry sighed. She was right. Hermione drew back.

"Harry, please understand why I didn't tell before the vow. I wanted to tell you, but he wouldn't let me. I'll tell you everything after it's over. But promise me you'll understand. Promise me that you won't hate me."

"Hermione, I would never ever hate you. I promise."

Within a few minutes, Hermione was snoring softly, her head on Harry's shoulder, who was thinking very hard.

Harry clutched his hair. He didn't know what to feel, what to say or what to think. His memory filled with Snape pointing his wand and Dumbledore falling from the tower.

And Hermione knew about this.

Malfoy knew about it.

And they were forced to keep it quiet. They had plenty of time to tell him but no, they were too late. He wouldn't have let Hermione tell with that damned unbreakable vow. No, she was just as precious but –but it was frustrating. And when Harry had gone to ask what mind Dumbledore had being in, he had just shrugged him off, saying it was just 'a matter of time' and it was 'for the best'. How was it the best when he was dead?

Dumbledore dead.

Hermione had told him and Ron only. She had made herself hardly clear with her sobbing. Her voice echoed.

"He said to Sn-Snape that it was …..was….supposed to go just as p-planned.

…..Snape was supposed to kill him, he knew it Harry!

…Oh Harry, I went to him every week to convince him! He won't listen….

…And then he wanted us…. to come and do the unbreakable vow…

He said that… it was the only way to protect you and destroying …..Voldemort.

The unbreakable vow does break but only… if one of the person you made your vow …..dies. I knew that I would be too late to tell you.

I wanted to tell you… Harry. P-Please understand. I know, it's my fault, it is my fault…"

Her voice was chilling and miserable. As if she had half died. Malfoy had held her, his face looking hard.

Ron was in his bed, brooding. He was facing Harry and he could see that Ron was thinking about Hermione too. They didn't know what to make out of the situation. They had half heartedly comforted her, still in shock from what they learned.

Harry buried his face in to the pillow. He needed to think.

Or sleep, if he was lucky.

The great hall looked miserable. When Ginny arrived she saw Harry and Ron, silently eating. All their lessons had being suspended and exams postponed. The staff table looked almost empty.

"Where's Hermione?" Ginny asked.

Harry and Ron glanced at each other.

"Guys, what's going on?" Ginny asked, eyes narrowing.

"You know what's going on." Ron finally said. "She's upset about ….Dumbledore. She must be with Malfoy."

"Well, we're upset too and you don't see me skipping breakfast." Ginny flared a significant imitation to her mother.

"Then go tell her." Ron retorted.

"What is wrong with you guys?"

"It's nothing. I'll go check on her after I eat." Harry said quietly. He felt bad. It wasn't Hermione's fault. Nor was it Malfoy's. It was not only Hermione who had to do something unwillingly because Dumbledore had made her to. Harry had agreed to do whatever he said when they had gone to get the locket. He knew what it felt like. To feed a potion he didn't want to, to hide when he didn't want to.

Leaving his half eaten toast, Harry went to search for Hermione. He asked around and some fifth years pointed him out to the lake. When Harry got there he saw Hermione and Malfoy together. At first he thought they were snogging but when he got closer to his dismay, he saw that Hermione was crying yet again, on Malfoy. He felt grateful that Malfoy was being there for her and was supporting her. Malfoy looked up when Harry came. A glare etched on his face when he saw Harry. Clearly Harry was blamed to this.

"Potter." Malfoy said and Hermione turned her head, still in her boyfriend's embrace.

"H-Harry!" Hermione quickly wiped her eyes. Harry wondered why she was trying to pretend she was alright in front of him.

"Hermione, can I talk to you?" He asked, glancing at Malfoy who had a protective arm around her waist.

"Sure." Hermione nodded.

"Malfoy, can you give us a minute?" Harry asked.

And surprisingly he did. Hermione looked at the water, still attempting to hold back her tears.

"Hermione?" Harry called.

"Hmm?"

"Hug?" Harry asked timidly, opening his arms. Hermione couldn't help a smile form in her lips. She threw her arms around him and hugged him like she always did.

"Hermione, it's not your fault."

"You do think so."

"No, I don't. I was too ….shocked by what you said. About Snape and Dumbledore planning together. It was demented enough."

She sighed. "I still should have done something, Harry. I should've known that last night was the night for it to happen…. I should've told."

"No, if you had told me, I wouldn't have survived my guilt. Hermione, we need you. I need you….. a lot. You did the right thing by obeying Dumbledore. Mental enough, it was what Dumbledore wanted."

Hermione withdrew from the hug. "You haven't told it to anyone have you?"

"No, and I assume it needs to stay that way?"

Hermione nodded.

"Hermione, about the Horcrux…" Harry started and he felt bad for the eager look on her face. "It's a fake."

He took it off his neck and gave it to Hermione. She studied it and the note in it.

"Who's R.A.B?"

"No idea."

"I'll check the—"

"—library, I know." Harry grinned. Then he remembered something. "Hermione, Dumbledore mentioned that Malfoy is supposed to be 'let in' when he was with me last night."

"Yes, he told us. Something to do with next year."

"Well, I'm not coming next year."

"Why not?"

"I have to look for the real one, Hermione. I have to find all the Horcruxes and destroy him."

"Fine." Hermione said to his surprise. "I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am. And so will Ron. And Draco."

"What? Malfoy has nothing to do with this!"

"Do you really think he's going to let me go? He wants to fight too. He took down lots of death eaters yesterday. He fought with us."

"Well, he can stay at Hogwarts….."

"No, Dumbledore wants him to go with us. That's what he meant by letting him in."

Harry groaned. "Why?"

"I think Dumbledore has something in plan… I mean, had." Hermione said faintly. "Why else would he plan his own death with Snape?"

"Hermione." Malfoy growled.

"I'll tell you later." Hermione said. "Go pack up. We need to get up early in the morning tomorrow."

"When will I see you again?" He asked with a sigh, as he winded his arms around her waist and drew her close.

"Trust me, pretty soon." Hermione said, hoping that Madame Pince wouldn't appear. They had come to the library on the last night at Hogwarts after dinner so that Hermione could return all of her last minute books.

"How soon?" He asked kissing her jaw softly.

"Draco! She might see us." Hermione hissed.

"Screw her." He said as he trailed his kisses around her face. Hermione closed her eyes and tried to calm herself, trying not to give any signs that she wanted to lean her face towards his, resisting the urge to moan. Malfoy realizing that she wasn't responding the way he wanted her to, drew back and looked at her.

"You're no fun." He sighed and pecked her on her lips.

"Not right now." Hermione said. "C'mon, let's go." She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the library before he had the chance to remember that privacy corner of the library and decide to have more 'relaxing time' as he put it.

"Do you realize that we may not see each other till….. September?" Draco scowled.

"No, not really. We'll be meeting in a few weeks again." Hermione said turning in to another hallway.

"No, we're not. You're going to wherever your parents are. I go to Grimmauld place. And the summer vacation is two months."

"No, not really—"

Malfoy stopped Hermione. "Why do you keep saying "No, not really"? Bloody hell, why don't you just explain without stalling?"

Hermione avoided his eyes. She knew he was going to hate what she was going to say. "You're not going to Grimmauld place." Hermione sighed. "You're going to stay with the Weasley's."

Draco blinked at her. "Weasleys?" He asked slowly.

Hermione bit her lip and nodded.

"Are you crazy?" He asked.

"No, not really."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Hermione, I'd rather stay with that Black-Beak or whatever-the-name-is Hippogrif than stay with Weasley." He snapped.

"Buckbeak, not Black beak." Hermione sighed. She took his collar and pushed him to the wall. Draco looked startled. She stood on her tip toes to level her eyes to his.

"You'll see me sooner though." She whispered to his lips.

"Not working." He said, though he was having a hard time keeping his heart beat even.

Hermione sighed. "Well, I was hoping to keep this a surprise."

"What?" He asked, finally unable to keep himself away, tucked his lips in to her crook of her neck.

"Ron's brother, Bill is getting married. They're—" She gasped as a shiver ran through her as Draco nipped gently. "—having the wedding. Mmmmm… so I -mph- was thinking whether you'll like to –mmmph- go with me?"

Hermione was surprised he actually heard all of it. He looked at her. "You want me to attend some event full of Weasleys?" He asked and Hermione nodded. "No." Draco resumed to his kissing.

Hermione pulled back. "Fine then." She snapped. "I guess I can go with Ron, as friends, of course."

Draco frowned. "Forget it. I'm coming." He went back to the kissing.

"You tell him." Harry nudged Hermione.

"No, you're the one who was told."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"I don't know the exact details."

"Well, I don't like him."

"Bloody hell, will someone just tell me?" Malfoy asked impatiently. He was sitting opposite Ron, Harry and Hermione in the Hogwarts Express on their way to King Cross station. He hadn't really intended to sit with them. More like just with Hermione. But she had dragged him in to their compartment for something confidential.

"We have a mission to do." Ron said tiredly. He was hungry and Hermione wasn't letting him eat till they had explained their situation with Malfoy. He just wished his best friends would just get over themselves.

"We, as in you, Potter, Hermione and me?" Draco asked.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Heck, no."

"You don't even know what we're going to do." Hermione said.

"Care to fill in me then?" Draco asked irritated.

"Okay, it's like this." Harry said taking out the locket. "We need to find a copy of this."

Draco looked at the locket. "You want me to help look for a freaking necklace?"

"Yes. It's a way of ….destroying Voldemort."

"Oh, sure. We could probably stuff it down his throat. Why didn't I think of that?" the sarcasm dripped.

Hermione groaned. This was going to be a long ride.

Draco looked around at the room.

He couldn't believe it. He had to share a room with Weasley. He didn't like it. He didn't like the thought of Weasley being in the same room for more than half an hour. He couldn't bare the messy cupboard. The comic books scattered on the beds. He hated the burrow. He hated how everything was squashed up. He hated how there was a Weasley in every corner he turned. He hated how they looked at him as if he was scum. He didn't like wearing short sleeves. Because he knew that Mr. Weasley went rigid at the sight of the dark mark and it had the capability of silencing a whole room of Weasleys He was constantly taking showers due to the intense heat. . He couldn't take his shirt off without worrying about that darned Dark Mark in the room.

He hated how the Weasley twins kept visiting them and pulled pranks on him. He hated how Weasley had a picture of Hermione taped on his wall. Sure, it was along with Potter's but he still didn't like it. But he hated most how the Weasleys just stuck together and worked together. How everyday was a routine family moment. How the house blossomed with all the care for each other. He hated how he was the outsider. Deep down, he wished that he had a family like them. Parents who worried about you constantly, who made delicious warm food and siblings to tease.

Draco was writing in his diary when Ginny knocked in.

"What do you want?" Draco growled, after glancing at Ginny. When was Hermione coming? He missed her.

"Gee, hello to you too."

"What do you want?" He repeated. He didn't understand why Hermione couldn't let him come with her. Well, at least he gave a proper farewell this time.

"I was wondering if you wanted to join us for Quiddich."

"Quiddich?" Malfoy's interest instantly perked up. He looked up from his diary.

"Yeah. We're playing. Want to join?"

Draco frowned suspiciously. "Why would you want to ask me to join?" he snapped the diary shut as Ginny walked in further in to the room.

"I think Hermione would kill me if she knew how we're treating you"

Draco couldn't help chuckled. "Yeah, she would. I can't wait to tell her."

"Look, are you coming?"

Draco looked at the She-Weasel. "Fine. But on a few conditions."

"Forget it." Ginny said and left. Malfoy scowled.

Malfoy couldn't bare it. He growled in frustration as he looked out of the window. He got up and went downstairs. He went to that tiny storeroom where his trunk and broom was stuffed in. He grabbed his Nimbus 2001 and headed outdoors.

Ron, who was watching Ginny from his broom, heard a broom whistling past him. Startled he looked to see Malfoy, on his Nimbus 2001.

"Count me in."

Ron smirked. "Alright. Fred and George, one team. Ginny and Malfoy, the other." After all it was Ginny's idea to invite Malfoy.

"And you? What are you? The bludger?" Ginny asked, furious that she was paired with Malfoy.

"No" Ron said simply as he flew down to the ground. "I'm referee." He grinned.

This won't be good. Malfoy grimaced.

When Hermione apparated outside the burrow, it was dusk. She had done all the arrangements she needed to do, and they all had been done within two weeks and a half. She fervently hoped that Draco had a better time than her. When Hermione entered the kitchen through the back door, there was nobody else but Ron, who was making himself a snack. Hermione couldn't help giggle.

Ron, startled at the sound of someone present in the empty kitchen, turned to see Hermione.

"Hermione!" He cried.

"Hungry?" She asked playfully as she gave a warm hug.

Ron chuckled. "Very."

"How's things?"

"A bit hectic. But bearable. Even though Malfoy's a pain in the ass."

"Shush. You're talking to his girlfriend."

Ron shuddered. "Imagine that".

Hermione swatted his arm playfully. "So, I bet it wasn't that hard."

"Trust me it was. The first few days were actually great, but then we had a Quiddich match and I stupidly teamed Ginny and the ferret. And they won. Now they're inseparable."

"Inseparable?" Hermione asked amused.

"Yeah, and now they're like taking revenge on…. Merlin knows; all the cheesy stuff we did."

Hermione couldn't help laugh.

"It's not funny, Hermione." Ron whined. "They team together for every Quiddich match and leave us scoring 5 to 65."

"Serves you right."

"But Hermione! Ginny even started to support the Holy Head Harpies! Harry's gonna hate it."

"What does Holy Head Harpies do with it?"

"Malfoy likes them. And now she sticks up for him whenever we argue about it." Ron said sulkily as he took a bite from his messy tuna sandwich.

"I'm glad there's someone on his side." Hermione smiled, feeling a fondness for Ginny.

"Hey, whose side are you on!"

Hermione winked and made her way to the living room as Ron helped with her trunk. She was greeted with a warm welcome from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and to her delight the twins were staying for dinner that night.

"Where's Ginny?" Hermione asked curiously.

"Upstairs, probably with Malfoy." George scowled.

Hermione's eyebrows rose with surprise.

"They're practically BFFs now." Fred said with an identical scowl.

"They even use our pranks against us." George spat.

Hermione couldn't help grin. Draco had obviously had a better time than her. She excitedly excused herself and went upstairs. She peeked in to Ginny's room. There was no one. They were probably in Ron's room. She made her way to the familiar room. She missed the burrow and despite her little problems, she couldn't help feeling that familiar affectionate atmosphere. She loved it. Hermione peeked in the door way. She couldn't help smiling at the sight of her best friend and boyfriend. Ginny was sprawled on the bed and Draco was sitting on the floor, both deeply concentrated on their wizard chess.

"Bloody hell, hurry up." Ginny urged.

"Relax. I'm thinking." Draco muttered.

"For half an hour? Just give up."

"I never give up, darling." Draco mumbled, leaning closer to the chess set as if it would reveal a clue.

Hermione frowned a little. Darling? Since when? Hermione had definitely missed a lot.

"Hey, guys." She finally announced her presence.

Ginny and Draco jumped at the voice. They had being so engrossed in the game.

"Hermione!" Ginny shrieked and pranced out of the bed and gave a huge hug to her friend. "When did you even come?" She asked.

"Just a few minutes ago." Hermione said, smiling over Ginny's shoulder at Draco who was grinning at her.

"Well, you should've stayed here from the beginning." Ginny said releasing from the hug.

"You know I had to see my parents before—"

"—you guys go to do whatever you are planning to do….. I know." Ginny sighed. "You're never gonna tell me huh?"

"I'm sorry, Ginny…" Hermione felt helpless.

"Well, at last you're here." Malfoy said, to Hermione's rescue, as he wrapped his arms around her petite frame. "I thought I had to put up with red heads forever." He said with a grimace, giving her a tight hug. Hermione held on to him. She had missed him. And suddenly her heart grew heavy with all her locked up emotions.

"Hey, I even gave you my piece of chicken pie!" Ginny said with a playful pout.

Draco stuck his tongue at her. He was releasing Hermione from the hug when he realized that she wasn't planning to let go just yet. He frowned a bit. Something was wrong. Then he felt something cold against his chest.

Ginny watched Malfoy's eyes widen. She was about to ask what was wrong when he directed his eyes from her to the door, asking her to leave. Ginny nodded.

"Boy, am I hungry." She said and left, wondering what was up.

"Hey." Draco whispered urgently. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Hermione sniffed and looked at Draco. His face drew in to worried lines at the sight of her tears. "I-I had to take their mem-memory away." She said quietly.

"Huh?" he asked pulling her to the bed and sat down along with her.

"My parents. I had to… wipe every memory… of me …from them. To-to keep them safe….." Tears slipped down her face.

Draco stared at her, at the courageous and wonderful girl beside him. He hated seeing her this way. He hugged her again, not knowing what to do. What was he supposed to say? He couldn't say it was alright, because it was not.

"Where- where are they now?"

"In Australia." It was barely a whisper. She pulled away from him. "Gosh, I'm such a mess." She said with embarrassment, wiping her tears.

"I don't blame you." He said raising an eyebrow. He captured her around her waist and pulled her on to his lap. She squirmed.

"Draco, if Mrs. Weasley sees us, she'll flip."

"You need to relax, Hermione." He growled.

Apparently this was the wrong thing to say. Hermione's temper rose. "Relax? Relax when there's muggles being tortured and killed? When there're witches and wizards being killed? Voldermort's active, making hell, and you're telling me to relax? Dumbledore's dead because of me and YOU EXPECT ME TO RELAX?" She had got off from Malfoy's lap.

"Merlin, just take those stuff of your mind. It's not gonna help if you keep thinking those mental stuff—" Malfoy argued.

"Mental? Don't you dare call it MENTAL when it's happening everywhere. It's too real to ignore. Unlike you, it's all I've been hearing!"

"Bloody hell, Hermione. You think that I don't see those stuff happening? The Weasleys bring the Prophet every freaking day. I hear those stuff. I think of them all the time." Draco snapped.

He opened his mouth to say more but Hermione had begun to sob. Shit. He watched her tears fall, as her shoulders shuddered. She was starting to cry hard. Draco went up to her and held her. He wrapped his arms around her frail body, trying to give all the warmth he could give. He didn't want her to be like this.

"There—there was a family who—who used to come t-to Flourish and Blotts every year. I saw them on the paper, yesterday….." Hermione said between sobs. "They—they were found dead, Draco. The entire family! With the k-k-kids—"

"Ssshhh….." Draco shushed, as he looked down at her and leaned his forehead on hers. "Shut up Hermione. Just shut up. Don't say another word. You'll just keep remembering."

"I want to forget." She whispered. "Please, make me forget it, Draco." She whispered against his lips.

Draco closed the distance. His body felt a jolt and he felt as if he was reawakened. Her lips tasted salty and also a hint of sweetness. He kissed her, their lips moving in harmony, as it grew deeper. More passionate. Draco pushed her in to the bed, and he lay on top of her, just enough so that he wasn't going to crush her with his weight. He felt his body on fire, as it pressed against Hermione's. His hand tangled up in her hair and the other grasped her hand. He couldn't help growl as he felt something. Damn.

He felt Hermione's hands unbutton his shirt. He wondered how she managed it, what with him laying on her. His hand brushed her chest and Hermione practically jumped. Draco felt dazed but his head was clear enough to register what was going to happen. Then he heard a rumble. He broke the kiss.

"What?" Hermione breathed out. She was panting and Draco did everything to hold the urge to snog her back.

"I think you need to eat." He said keeping a straight face.

So I hope you liked it! Thank You for your reviews and I'm definitely looking forward to more! It would be depressing if not *_*

Any suggestions? Feel like this chapter was crappy? Feel free to let me know!

And I'll try my best to finish this before the end of this month :D

*Gasp* I just realized why I like the guy in the music video "Mine" by Taylor Swift. He reminds me of Draco... Is that just me?